Yesterday, the Senate confirmed Raymond Kethledge and Helene White to the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and Stephen Murphy to the U.S.
District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. I appreciate the
Senate's work on filling these important seats, which had been declared
judicial emergencies.

For the first time in my Administration, the Sixth Circuit will now have a
full court to address important issues facing the residents of Kentucky,
Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. Unfortunately, too many other Federal
judgeships across America remain vacant. This is unacceptable and
inexcusable. Since the beginning of the 110th Congress, the Senate has
confirmed only 10 circuit court nominees. In the last two years of the
past three Administrations, the Senate has confirmed an average of 17
circuit court judges. I strongly urge the Senate to hold hearings and
votes on the 28 pending circuit and district court nominations to ensure
that our Nation has a fully functioning judicial system.